Orquestra Mirasol - 1974 - Salsa Catalana

Orquestra Mirasol

1974

Salsa Catalana

A Sobre
01. To De "Re" Per A Mandolina I Clarinet
02. (Reprise)
03. Molt Trist
04. Canco De No Entendre
A Sota
05. Circ De L'Esprai (Part1)
06. Hancock
07. No Juguis Amb Set Miralls

Berimbau, Cuica – César Vieira
Percussion – Miquel Lizandra
Percussion – Pedrito Díaz
Clarinet, Sax – Ricard Roda
Mandolin – Xavier Batllés
Piano – Víctor Ammann
Baritone Saxophone – Ricard Roda
Bass, Pito – Xavier Batllés

Bassoon – Ramon Isbert
Oboe – Domènec Segu
Cello – Ernest Xancó
Viola – Josep Casasús
Violin – Jaume Francesch

Short-lived yet very interesting Jazz/Fusion band from Barcelona, Orquestra Mirasol were among the groups blending US Jazz/Fusion with Spanish music during the 70's.The line-up of their first album included Xavier Batlés on bass, Victor Ammann on piano, Ricard Roda on synthesizers, Pedrito Diaz on percussion and Miquel Lizandra on drums.This was entitled ''Salsa Catalana'', released in 1974 on the Catalan label Zeleste.

The style of Orquestra Mirasol was heavily influenced by the approach of RETURN TO FOREVER and WEATHER REPORT, mixing energetic pleasant grooves with jazzy jams and interplays in a very succesful way.Their arrangements, both short and long, featured impressive piano lines, extremely nice bass workouts and some really beautiful clarinet solos.Orquestra Mirasol change their smooth passages into more bombastic material, full of intensity and interplays, and throughout the release there is evident some admiration for Classical Music, at moments they sound a lot like a Chamber Rock band.Another reason for this approach is the addition of string instruments in a couple of tracks and some symphonic-inclined instrumental sections with a very dramatic edge.Still Fusion remains the starting point of the band and the more powerful moments can be easily compared with WEATHER REPORT's music, driven by the piano, bass and percussion work.

Give this forgotten band a chance, especially if you love intricate Jazz/Fusion.Well-played adventurous, challenging, partly original and strongly recommended material.